General Agricultural PracticesPlan of Work

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Boyd County CES

Title:
General Agricultural Practices
MAP:
Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Agents Involved:
Harned
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Integrated Pest Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Pest ID
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Small Farm Management
Situation:

 As in many counties, there is a diverse farming community in Boyd County, from the standpoint of size to products to the experience, or lack thereof, of the land owner to the greatly varied knowledge of farming in today's world. Given these variations, many times just basic, general farm knowledge is lacking and needs to be presented. Many times what one considers a problem or a waste, another considers a great use of the resource, and vice versa. Many clientele do not keep up with the latest policies and programs that are being en-acted that affects them and their farms and lands. This will be the first time that Boyd County has been able to offer the full CAIP program through the Ag Development Board and Phase 1 funds. Time and programs will be developed/devoted to addressing this with county farmers and landowners.

Long-Term Outcomes:

The farmers and landowners will be more efficient and knowledgeable in their production and use of the land. The ones that want to 'make money' will be doing so at a higher rate than before and those who are more recreational, will be utilizing their property to the fullest extent that they want. CAIP funded projects have a a long term impact on those who receive the cost share funds.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Landowners and farmers will safely administer practices upon their properties than are both profitable, if desired, as well as environmentally responsible. They will take advantage of programs that they have access to to help them achieve their goals. CAIP funded projects will continue to be used on farms.

Initial Outcomes:

Basic knowledge about safe, legal, and proper usages of the land, and practices enacted upon the land, will be presented in many different programs and ways. They will also learn about new programs and policies that are being implemented and that can and will affect them. Farmers will successfully apply for CAIP funds and complete the practices that they receive funding for.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Landowners and farmers will gain knowledge to become good environmental stewards for their land, as well as to put into use practices that will enable them to be profitable if desired or at least start to achieve the desired outcomes that they are looking to accomplish with their property. Farmers apply for CAIP funds and are eligible to receive them.

Indicator: More efficient practices beginning to be implemented, as well as increased income and good land stewardship practices. Number of CAIP applications approved.

Method: Personal contact and observations as well as. Numbers from county administrator.

Timeline:2021-2024


Intermediate Outcome: Landowners and farmers will begin to see the benefits, both financial and otherwise, to implementing the sustainable practices that they have learned and have implemented. Number of CAIP projects completed compared to number of applications approved.

Indicator:  Proper methods and practices will be used on the farms and lands. Number of CAIP projects completed and cost share reimbursement received.

Method: Personal contact and observations as well as. Contact with farmers and county administrator.

Timeline:2021-2024


Long-term Outcome:  The land will and the landowners will be showing long term sustainability due to the practices learned and put into use on their lands and farms. Number of CAIP projects that continue to benefit the farmers who completed their funded projects.

Indicator:  The practices being used on farms and lands and the changes that have been implemented to ensure sustainability and profitability. Number of projects still in use.

Method:  Personal contact and observations as well as. 

Timeline: 2022-2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Farmers and landowners

Project or Activity: Private Applicator Pesticide Training

Content or Curriculum: Use materials provided by UK specialist

Inputs: Facilities, copies, training

Date: 2022-2024


Audience: Farmers and landowners

Project or Activity: Weed ID and control

Content or Curriculum: How to ID weeds and to control them, if needed

Inputs: Facilities, cooperators, herbicides, 

Date: 2022-2024


Audience: Farmers and landowners

Project or Activity: Timely updates and postings of new or revised programs or policies that can affect them and their operations

Content or Curriculum: Depends on what the issue is.

Inputs: Computer communication, mail outs, in person meetings

Date: 2022-2024


Audience: County Farmers

Project or Activity: BQCA Training and Certification

Content or Curriculum: State BQCA curriculum

Inputs: My becoming certified to teach program; facilities to offer training; state BQCA training materials

Date: June 2021


Audience: County Farmers

Project or Activity: Mass KY Ag Water Quality Training and certification

Content or Curriculum: KY Ag Water Quality Certification materials

Inputs: County Conservation Office personnel; AG Water Quality materials; Facilities to offer training in

Date: June 2021; subsequent trainings may be offered later in 2021 and through 2024


Audience: County Farmers

Project or Activity: CAIP Informational meetings

Content or Curriculum: CAIP information from KOAP website and Administrator training

Inputs: Facilities to hold meetings; agent and county administrator; PowerPoint developed by agent

Date: June 2021 X 2



Success Stories

Fall Weed ID and Control Program

Author: Lyndall Harned

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Due to several factors including calls to the office, questions on, and reasons for, farm visits and questions I received while taking hay samples, I felt a fall weed ID and control program was needed.So I scheduled one in late September at our Education Center, where we could be totally outside and actually see the weeds we were discussing as opposed to pictures. Preceding the program I made laminated name cards and had them staked by the identified weed. I also had a packet of UK publications

Full Story

New Meat Processor

Author: Lyndall Harned

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

About 2 years ago I was approached by a young farmer who wanted to potentially start a new meat processing facility. I told him about the new program the State Ag Development Board had started to help new and existing meat processing plants remodel or start up, due to the Covid induced meat shortages that were occurring at the grocery stores.I got him in contact with the state level, at that time, GOAP person, and he started to work the process. I also invited him to our county AG Development Co

Full Story
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